Review: Mary Poppins Returns will put a smile on your faces

When Julie Andrews floated down from the London skies in Disney's Mary Poppins, she was so impressive that she was named Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

But as Poppins likes to say, 'Everything is possible. Even the impossible.'

So, 55 years after the original, director Rob Marshall -- best known for musicals like Chicago and Into The Woods -- spins off a sequel that makes you fall in love with Miss Poppins and the Banks family all over again.

Mary Poppins Returns takes the franchise forward with yet another story full of heart, humour, adventure and friendship.

But not as much fun.

The story picks up in the mid-1930s in that Victorian house on Cherry Tree Lane during The Great Slump.

Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Michael has fallen behind on the mortgage payments. Even though he works for the same bank where his father did, the new president Mr Wilkins (Colin Firth) will not give him any extra time to pay up.

Enter Mary Poppins, floating down on a stormy day, ready to calm the chaos.

The film's simplicity is its plus point.

Rob Marshall tries to bring together the old world charm, gives it a modern context and spins a colourful, whimsical story.

The filmmaker tries to add his version to the classic tale as well. And so, we have some new twists.

The visit to Uncle Albert, who floated to the ceiling due to his uncontrollable laughter, becomes a trip to cousin Topsy, a delightful segment with Meryl Streep, whose life turns upside down on the second Wednesday of every month.

The role of the beloved the chimney sweep, Bert, is changed to Jack the lamplighter, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who gets the maximum screen time as he charms the audience with his performance.

The film is spectacular technically and the CGI is used effectively.

Music is so important in a musical and that's where the film falters.

None of the songs match the original. You will forget most as soon as they are over.

But the sequence where Jack trips a little light with his gang is the film’s best musical number.

At 130 minutes, the film feels long.

Screenplay writer David Magee does not develop the basic premise or invest in the characters.

Of the performances, Emily Blunt fills Andrews’ shoes with her unique approach and is quite earnest. She gives a sassy spin to the character.

Ben Whishaw, as Michael Banks, is extraordinary at showing his emotions.